Harley Davidson Performance: Unveiling Stages 1 To 4 & Boosting Motorcycle Power.

I receive questions via e-mail sometimes, and quite a few of those questions are people that want to know the basics, but don't want to ask. One question I got recently that I thought was a good one was "what is the difference between a stage 1 and a stage 2 ‪@harleydavidson‬ motor?" There you have it, let's talk about the different stages you hear about and what each one means.
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#Harley
#HarleyDavidson
#Biker
#Motorcycle
#EngineBuild
#Stage1
#Stage2
#Stage3
#Stage4
#Horsepower
#Torque
#Cam
#131

[@Hambone-]

Good video Monk. Always good to cover the basics. IMHO stage 1 always brings a great amount of joy, per $ spent. Loud pipes make smiles.

[@gunsngolfn]

One hundred percent agree with the joy per buck for stage 1.

[@jdhenry6300]

Man, when u talk , and ur explaining it in simple terms, it makes it a lot easier to understand than all that tech BS. I’ve got a stage one on my bike. No need to go further with it. Great video.

[@tjmayer9103]

I never knew about the "reliability" changes caused by the different stages. Makes sense. I learned something new. Thanks !

[@danielhoffman7576]

Good Explanation, easy to unstained, to the point! LOVE IT

[@rjmagiera2584]

Great video, great information and put in simple terms. Thanks.

[@raygeraghty6670]

Great video. Love your stuff. I ride a 2020 triglide and am at the basics one mechanics so I appreciate the low level discussions. Keep it up.

[@scottschiller1153]

Great explanations, you hit it out of the park!

[@michaelrogers420]

Nicely Done Monk! Appreciate your presentation and explanations of the stages to those of us fairly new to HD. Thanks

[@krispinzaleschuk3489]

Thanks for explaining that simply! For someone who’s new to riding and upgrading my bike, this was helpful!

[@bobrose3298]

Excellent video. Easy to understand. Your videos are excellent. I hope mine get to this level eventually.

[@CMatthewsfan]

Your delivery was awesome man. Just subscribed. Keep doing great things

[@AdhirRamjiawan]

thank you for no ads and great advice

[@d3v1n-06]

Thanks buddy! Answereds all my questions perfectly!!

[@grayfox9911]

Thanks for the explanations. I always enjoy your videos...

[@UncleScoob]

Been riding Harleys for a few years (5) now and have always been curious about stage upgrades, glad to hear them laid out simple instead of confusing me.

[@michaelwagner2777]

Great video! Just got my CVO street glide Stage 2 installed and 122 kit on my low rider S! Spring time needs to get here to KY ASAP!

[@user-dg2lb7wz4l]

Right on first time watching I learned a few things. Thanks and Keep 2 on the road.

[@cathyfields]

Great video with some great info thank you for sharing all of the videos that you do also really enjoy all of the humor that goes along with them

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Glad you like them!

[@babybugspaw7085]

Dude! Great stuff on stages, not all are exclusive gear heads but LOVE to ride our HOGS, so great information for those who weren’t sure. That’s what makes a great channel is covering all peoples curiosities. Great video Monkey!

[@mikejones-yl2pb]

Very well done Monk. Everyone from beginner to old timers will get something out of this vid

[@edbredemus7675]

really enjoy all the things you cover. Please keep up the good work!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you very much!

[@Sodiumfreeriding]

Cams on Harley’s are the best! Good stuff, very well explained.

[@Gregg1968Photo]

Great video. Thanks for putting it together.

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

I’m a fan of stage 1 and supporting mods that help the bike run cooler as well as rider triangle comfort.

[@Jameskenomis3]

I needed this. I’ve been riding a year and a half and did not know. Thank you!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Happy to help!

[@marshall4759]

Good video. I always find them informative and entertaining. Everyone is ignorant only on different subjects-Roy Rogers.

[@jerrymears8753]

I enjoy the informative videos and the bits of humor drizzled throughout, you da MAN!!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you!

[@michaelblougouras6104]

Hey Monk thanks for the info, just bought my first harley a crossbones 2008 and wanted to let you know your info was great!!!

[@raypaquettejr]

Been loving your channel. I wanna get into riding motorcycles and you have been really helpful in understanding more about the culture and even the basics of riding. Keep it up

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Awesome, thank you!

[@BreakingStory411]

Love the channel, excellent explanation on a subject I’ve been curious about, just not enough to look it up… 😝

[@BowenBuilt]

I appreciate the video! I am new to the Harley/cruiser world and found this extremely helpful. Looking fwd to watching your other videos!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joanndoane4346]

Thank you thank you and thank you for explaining this in simple language. Techs don’t!! Love what you do!!

[@johnnyc170]

All I needed to know, wrapped up in a simple video presentation. Well done Monk

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks!!!

[@mikeystavaros9448]

Always good to cover the basics

[@paulmontgomery4035]

Love your videos brother! Please keep up the outstanding work.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you!

[@jamesgill7858]

You cleared everything I wanted to know about the stage 1 thru stage 5. Thank you for your input. I am buying a 2009 FLHX street glide all stock. I feel after watching your video that I will just do the stage 1 only. Maybe later on I will go with the stage 2. Right now I will stay with the stage 1. Thank again for your advise. I watch your videos every chance I get.

[@HogheadBill]

good vid monk, like you said" BASIC" stages of upgrades, which is not a bad thing, its all about making the" suck, bang, blow" more efficient. and thus making more power and sound. I would also totally agree with you about a stage one making a bike more reliable as the cooler it runs the longer it lasts.

[@alexandertait7508]

I just got a 2009 Harley Davidson .your video answered lot of questions I had . Thank you

[@gingergliderider85]

Good video Monkey, I have been looking into a Zippers 107 muscle kit for my 08 twin cam. From what I've seen seems to be alot of bang for the buck kit!

[@velikijoxotnik]

Subscribed and Bell Clicked! I stumbled on your channel yesterday, and have been binge watching your content. Good stuff! I rode (a rice-burning superbike, Honda VFR 750) in the 80's and 90's when I lived in Central Florida, but got out of riding when children came along. It was too difficult to predict when I'd have to pick up the kids from day care after work. I'm now within 6 months of retiring, and have bought myself a nice 2017 Sportster Custom 1200, even knowing that Sporties are often snubbed within the riding community. But, for getting back into 'the game,' I thought that it was the perfect bike, especially considering that it looks fantastic, has low miles, and is used (bought through my local HD dealership with a warranty). I'm loving it so far, but know that I'll almost certainly move into a nicer bike as I rediscover the style of riding that I really enjoy. Long preamble... sorry. As I'm trying to get caught up the new stuff, since the 80s/90s, I've really enjoyed your content, especially the content that could keep me from getting my ass kicked, if I unintentionally got to close to 'serious members' of a motorcycle club. Even though I know how to ride, I've signed up for a new riders course and will take a follow-on course or two, too, to hopefully learn stuff that I didn't know that I didn't know. I've read a lot of the snide comments that your channel gets, and I just wanted to say that I think that your content is at the perfect level for someone like, who's relatively new to the motorcycle hobby (although I grew up on dirt bikes and crotch rockets) and its norms of behavior. Please keep it going!

[@louisgoldfond6326]

Great video PM. Just did a stage 2 on my 07 street glide. I love the feel and grunt of the bike. It’s got plenty of torque and speed for me now. No need for more. Keep up the great work. See u at Daytona

[@Hurst_Hemi]

I know this is an older topic but I like seeing it. Ya got to remember in getting old ( 68 ) never had the time to do major work on my ride. I've always been on the road as a long haul truck driver BUT that will be changing real soon. Calling it quits so I can enjoy the rest of my life lol

[@chrishyder1177]

I have road bikes off and on for years but are new to HD so thanks a ton for the video. Very basic and to the point.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@uasflightservicesllc3552]

Thanks for refreshing my memory, another good video

[@theonlyredspecial]

Just got a few Harley’s (fat boy 2021 and cvo street glide 2018) as I hit 50 and decided to move away from sports bikes. I’ve been watching your videos quietly for the last week. I appreciate your content it’s been interesting and you are fun on camera bud. Best from Ireland 🤘🏻

[@robertbarger6439]

Thanks for the info just picked up a 2012 dyna street Bob custom 103 with a stage 1 done will be getting stage 2 at the end of this riding season

[@DavidSherley]

I'm one of the new riders who barely know how to ride much less repair and replace parts. You are doing awesome. Love the stories.

[@kittycorner8526]

I was very happy with my 2010 FLHTCU. Even happier after the stage 2. K&N, Rinehart, Woods 555, and TTS.

[@camm9397]

Not a stupid topic. I new to big bikes and doing research so thank you

[@brianb7960]

Good information love the content. Someday I hope to catch a livestream and pester you about the boat anchor ⚓lol. Keep up the good work and be safe

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I hope so too!

[@meandean3754]

I think it is time to do a stage 1 in my Dyna, thanks for the simple easy to understand explanation Mr. Monkey! :)

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You bet!

[@rickyhawkins7407]

There are a lot of people who ride but have no idea what is going on with their bike. Your simplistic explanations help anyone to understand. I have a 17 RGSpl with the 114 Stage IV built by the dealer before I bought it home. I like it, but a little underwhelmed. Leaning towards a new Red Shift cam to see if it wakes it up a little more. Keep the videos coming.

[@beckybeauchamp7536]

Love this video.. I just went stage 1 on my Road Glide Special with 39" Samson cholo fishtails and a an Arlen Ness drift breather and tune and hubby has a stage 4 on his Street Glide Special a couple years ago

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That is awesome!

[@christinedavis4870]

Dude, you hit it spot on!!

[@robertfagan8833]

Great video as usual. I myself went with with a stage 2.. best bang for the buck.. I was thinking 124 upgrade but probably not as reliable as you said

[@GRiM67REAPPER]

I just bought my first harley and have been wondering about stages, thank you for making this video

[@mmarielle07]

Thank You for this Great Info

[@bj2294]

Good video. Basic for those just getting into biking. I like that you said if you want it to start every time leave it alone or do a stage one so it breaths better and runs cooler.

[@taddostendorf4173]

Did a stage 2(?) On my'17 RoadKing 107, Cobra high flow air cleaner, Rhinehart 2-1 pipes, Andrews 460 cam( drop in), ThunderMax tuner. throttle response is awesome, top end is everything I want it to be .

[@hagi1367]

Very informative! Thanks

[@dialdays]

nailed it, im up to stage 3 on my bike and this is where im staying

[@Ryang-71]

Less reliability = more fun!! Nothing like getting to the stage where you are measuring your gas mileage as gallons per mile. Love the look of the bike. Great job. Be safe.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for a simple explanation. Over 50 years of riding, HD is the only mass-market brand I haven’t owned and I always wonder when my Harley riding buddies talk about “gonna do a stage 2 next year…”

[@paulycity1]

Awesome Video Thanks

[@sergeroyer2578]

Thank you ! Great video!! I learned something here......

[@afsoc4629]

Had no clue about the stages at first. Got my first bike, a used ‘18 Softail Heritage Classic 107 and my M endorsement, and thought I was done. Soon I wanted better sound, so after saving almost 2 years I got Tab Zombie slip ons and a tuner. What a difference in sound. Hoping this time next year I can put an intake on Rosie (named after the AC/DC song) and really feel the pull. Using stages almost gives a sense of accomplishment. I think I am hooked!

[@carlbruhn1772]

I too have Tab 4.5 pipes with zombie inserts. Consider Tabs head pipe. At 400 bucks and the reduction in engine temp it's an investment that the engine happy. Plus a slight improvement in performance that will pay bigger dividends when the cam is swapped

[@chadparker1283]

Great shit. Great knowledge. I had know clue about the stages. I do basic shot on all of my Bros bikes. Via oil, brakes stators so and so fourth. This was great. Especially because I'm changing my Bros air filter from a stage 1 filter to another stage 1. Just doing research. Thank you. Will watch more of your great videos

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you!

[@NoelMartin-ko7tt]

Great explanation enjoyed it,

[@RJSerp]

You explained it well! Good info!

[@kevinbibby7636]

Thanks for the info!

[@vangoodwin7335]

Engines, RPMs and HP? Enjoying your videos is easy and I greatly appreciate you mentioning reliability. To many 90hp to 120hp doesn't seem like.uch when race cars are now 750 to 1,000hp. We weigh 175 to 300lbs and we sit on 800lb machines verses a 3,000lb car. For 40 years it's been my narrow ass on 750lb bikes and I didn't need break neck speed or power. This summer will be my first with a passenger and a trailer for camping gear. My long distance Ultra won't be pulling. A 6 cylinder Goldwing with some engine and air flow work of my own will get us everywhere just fine. I spend my money on trips, my Lady and my farm. Next winter will be a new paint job and leather for our seat if I don't do it before spring. Their are many things to dress up and speed up your scoot. I'm grateful to Mr. Monkey for his work because it isn't engine or dress specific. One of the freedoms of motorcycles is how you do your life and ride. Enjoy yours! You are in my prayers Hoka Hey

[@sirditrotman5946]

PEACE. I've been watching and enjoying your channel for months. I don't know why i'm just getting around to subscribing. Sorry and Thanx!

[@bikelifetoot2457]

Had no clue, thanks for the video! Subbed

[@C510KW]

awesome. im learning heaps from your videos. getting set to buy my firsy harley so am working to build my knowledge. could you do if you haven't already the types of engines.. .

[@ericmay6183]

New subscriber- Good video. I have a 20 RG with stage 1. I live in Northern California and drive to Arkansas once a year. I found that my mileage had increase from stock. Thank you

[@rondemary8403]

I found out that by up grading to a stage 1 over stock on my 15 wide glide increased my mileage per mile stick I was avg about 42-45 mpg once I went stage 1 I jumped to 50 mpg of course that's riding normally and not overly aggressively

[@LadyTam55]

Great advice as stage one is going on this week if parts come in. Not to worried about more power but getting my 117 to breathe and run cooler. Also lifting the tank a little do to living out here. I am getting old as I ride a trike but still in the wind and the big thing is I am selling my timeout and getting a toy hauler. I want to go from state to state setting up a base camp and riding that state. Only 2A states. Others don't need my money. Just did 300 miles Friday from St.Johns to Flagstaff and back in the dark. Daytime in low 50s then at dark mid 40s and got back to town where I park it was 37° so a little chilly for this Older Bit. Keep safe and who knows I may end up down that way come fall.

[@plumber3rd419]

I’m with you on the 2A. We travel a lot and last year we went to 12 states and made sure they all was 2A states or we did not go and spend our money there. I have lots of family in ca and I will not ever go back.

[@emeryhvac1023]

Good explanation on everything buddy.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thank you!

[@wayneb.6586]

Thx 4 the video and infos! Cheers from Germany

[@ka-bar5060]

Solid video. Stage 2 torque is my favorite setup on all my bikes. I see guys getting Stage 3 & 4 work done, and I respect it as it is their bike, but I also wonder why because regardless of the work done the bikes are limited by the governor. Now if you don't give a damn about the warranty then sure bypass the governor and throw a 131 kit in that beast. But for me and what I typically enjoy a Stage 2 Torque setup makes it really fun while still keeping it all as reliable as possible.

[@Henry.58]

Stage one is just fine with me, I do a lot of freeway riding ,so I'm happy with that for the time being. Counting the days before heading to Daytona.13 degrees this morning in Columbus Oh. Brrrr!

[@ocglide2566]

It is pretty amazing at how much you can get out of a motor with a stage 2 cam swap, especially on the M8 motor. I paid a fortune to upgrade my Twin Cam 96 to a 103 which was a top end with stock heads to get close to 100 HP and on My M8 114 all I had to do was upgrade the cam to break 100 HP.

[@davehuber6296]

Great information , thank you

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You’re welcome!

[@jamesfrost7465]

Right on, thank you, I was wondering.

[@joeneese5863]

Thank you! Just bought my first Harley Davidson. 2019 softail deluxe has a 107 stage 2 kit. And being new to the scene I wasn't sure exactly what all stage 2 included.

[@baggerbater]

I agree, most refer to stage 1,2,3 and 4

[@vandiepen421]

Love having your simple explanations to go along with other channels technical info! For technical videos, including step by step installation, Blockhead is currently doing a series of showing the full stage upgrades.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

I saw that tonight as mine was uploading… what timing…

[@AzzKicker-bz1cb]

@@ProfessionalMonkey I watched his yesterday!!! Your comment about sound for a stage 1 brings up a question which I also asked in Blockhead’s channel; I have the 2016 Electra Glide Ultra that I sent you pictures of, I have been told by the dealership where I bought it, that it has a Stage 1 Screaming Eagle kit installed in it! I rode the bike around the dealership building and it felt like the bike was chugging, like it wasn’t going fast enough for the gear I was in(1st gear by the way) kinda like it was bogging down with too much fuel and not enough air(the way it sounded, but mostly like I just wasn’t going fast enough)!!! I’m wondering if it’s possible that there’s actually a Stage 2 kit involved! It is a twin cam bike not the Milwaukee 8!!

[@ElBuffalo]

@@AzzKicker-bz1cb sounds like they didn't tune it or tune it right, but what do I know

[@vandiepen421]

@@ProfessionalMonkey still nice to have the different perspectives!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

@@AzzKicker-bz1cb I’m thinking it just wasn’t warmed up enough or it wasn’t tuned right. You’d hear if it was stage II

[@martinpokojski836]

still on the fence on doing stage 2. My previous scoot had stage 4 done and I really had issues with it. Like you said, it ran HOT and would die sometimes at stop lights, etc.. So good point, once past stage 2...it is a lot to think about and consider.

[@TeensierPython]

I’ve had a stage IV for almost 10k miles. Only had one issue after about 50miles. Had a minor oil leak. Found out it was because a gasket had been pinched. Brought it to the dealer. They fixed it in a couple hours.

[@usafreedom1049]

Thank you for the info

[@Gibsonfan1989]

Thanks for the video. Been riding for a while but, I never had a Harley and not much of a mechanic after the basics. So, I never looked into engine stages or even the difference between panhead/shovelhead etc...

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Glad to help!

[@mcdgtodd]

Good Stuff Monk! I'm a Harley Davidson Factory trained tech/mechanic. I love the way you put in terms that are simple for lots of folks who haven't been on Harley very long or just starting and are great info for those who have been riding and doing upgrades! Personally speaking, going beyond Stage II is just shortening the life of your motor. Cams make your bike run reliably AKA better and don't require too much time on a Dyno. I no longer work for Harley Davidson, because I'm retired Army and I wasn't interested in all the new doo-dads that the young folks think are so cool. Most of that is just hype and companies getting them to be born again, I know more than you types. BS. Motorcycles are simple machines for the most part. There is so much you can do to them that you could never do them all on one bike unless you like to change up here and there. I have 2017 FLTRU Road Glide Ultra, it's got the S&S .475c cam, best upgrade for any bagger! It's still a 107" that won't change until it gives up. I have so much work into this bike that it probably wouldn't keep many folks attention span attempting to read it. So, I'd like to just express some of the highlights of the upgrades that I have on the bike currently: I have a full Legend Suspension front and rear. I thought it would cure the wobble on tight turns! While it's more comfortable and tracks better, it still has the turn wobble. It's a wobble that becomes a soar spot for me, I have endeavored to make the ride more functional and great handling. Then I saw the King of the Bagger race! 1 and 2. Race 2 the Harley Road Glide took the win and I was curious what it was that they used to rid the bike of the wobble. I'm sure making it lighter was the biggest factor but the folks at Mad Monkey went a step further. They actually got rid of the rubber rear fork bushings and replaced them with CNC aluminum bushings. Wow! Totally changed the entire ride of the bike. Seems to hang in the corners much better and no more rear wheel wobble. I had always thought that since my days of riding Sportster and Evos I was tired of the vibration. Yes, it now vibrates, but not annoyingly so. Harley-Davidson brags on how they got ride of 75% of the bagger vibration and I'm here to tell you I probably added that vibration back with the Mad Monkey rear fork bushing. Best part about it all, it only cost me $49 + tax and shipping. Any dealership will do the swap for you, but you'll probably spend about $300 in labor getting it done. Plus it's a great way to learn how to work on your own stuff and get some good experience and helping others as well. It doesn't really take as long as you would think. It's exactly the same swap you do on rubber bushings. All done on a bike lift, if you have one, and flat scissor jack. Took me half an hour. Takes a little getting used to the bike RPM increase, I would speculate that is from the rear belt pulling a lot quicker than all that rubber. There's just too much rubber and comfort on these baggers. LOL Anyway, good channel, you have a new fan!

[@j.vosier6786]

Nice, i just bought a 22 softail standard, what exhaust would u recommend? And is it easy to install a slip on exhaust? I dont have $1400 to pay harley to do a stage 1

[@orionspero560]

Especially with all the power in the Harley's and Indians, It would be useful to know how to tank to tame a motorcycle (where this is stuff making it worse). PS you opened with a comment about not assuming everyone knows what you know and then throw out a bunch of jargon assuming everybody knew it. You did a pretty good job on stage one explaining what you meant by thanks. It was clear from the video that somebody was asking about heads heads and you were resisting the essence of the question which was "WTF is head?" There was the same problem with some people in my circle in terms of Cam and shaft. People in my circle were asking if you were talking about mining and cameras. In my personal case I think I understand what you said but I don't know enough to translate.

[@jshingler5284]

Stage 4 twin cam here with Darkhorse lower end. When you do your cams I highly recommend upgrading and replacing your cam bearings with a brand of your choosing over stock. Good video.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Ok thanks!

[@pierre-x.8386]

I think that, in addition of the big juggs of the stage 3/4, you will also need a bigger throttle body/carburator, and watch out about the chosen cams for the stage 2 some needs a valve spring/pushrods adjustement because of the increase of the lift.

[@ericstrandberg9190]

Thank you for this video. Just bought my first Harly, a 21 Road Glide that has a Stage 1 already. Was thinking about getting the Stage 2 installed, and hearing that it lessens the reliability, I am now dropping those plans. The bike can already shit and git, I dont need more if it is less reliable. Awesome explanation.

[@isbycline]

awesome topic thank you

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks!!!

[@tzimmer2]

Brah, great info..... Always interesting. 👍

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Appreciate it!

[@dsherburn]

We all have to start somewhere. Nothing wrong with a video like this.

[@rondemary8403]

Im happy with my stage 1 on my 103. Plenty of get up and go, sounds great with the Vance Hines 3 slash cuts hi flow KN air filter and Vance Hines tuner

[@Hero_of_Legend]

How do you do, fellow V&N runner :)

[@rondemary8403]

@@Hero_of_Legend doing well ready for warmer weather to go riding

[@tomchristian4304]

Great video!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks!

[@charlesgru8978]

This is all exactly how I describe them as well. Though I get confused where forced induction falls in. Typically I joke that if I added a procharger to my 131, that'd make it a Stage V since it's already a Stage 4. And some times I joke that no matter where the bike currently is, adding a turbo or s/c adds half a stage. :D

[@robertschmidli2195]

I committed before finishing the video yes the factory engine will last the longest your right dude. and they should make a larger oil pan for the stage kits as well